For most events we recommend 5 kilograms (10LBS) of cheese per 100 people.
For smaller events like wine tastings we suggest 2.5 kilograms (5LBS) of cheese per 100 people.

DO YOU DONATE PRODUCT FOR CHARITABLE FUNDRAISERS OR WEDDING EVENTS?

We are committed to supporting communities locally and across Canada.

As you might expect, we receive numerous donation and sponsorship inquiries. And although we’d like to fulfill each and every one, it is simply not possible to manage the volume of requests. Instead, we have formed close partnerships with a handful of Canadian charitable organizations that share our core values and give back to the community. For this reason, we no longer accept unsolicited donation and charitable requests. For more information please click here.

We do however offer discounts on product purchased for fundraisers, funerals, wedding socials and wedding receptions. Orders must be purchased and picked directly from our Cheese Shop in New Bothwell, MB.

Call 204.388.4666 / 1.800.361.9542 for further details.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHITE AND COLOURED CURDS?

The only difference between our white and coloured curds is that the white curds do not contain our natural annatto colouring. Annatto is a seed from the achiote tree commonly found in Latin America. Annatto has a similar molecular structure to Beta-Carotene, the substance that naturally makes carrots orange.

WHY DO YOU PUT COLORING IN SOME OF YOUR CHEDDAR CHEESE?

Traditionally in North America colouring was added to Cheddar cheese because the colour of milk varied depending on the season and the crops dairy cows were consuming – which in turn would affect the colour of the cheese. Cheesemakers started adding colouring to ensure visual consistency in the product. Consumers grew accustomed to this tradition, which is why many Cheesemakers (like Bothwell) continue to offer this type of Cheddar.

HOW MUCH MILK DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE CHEESE?

It takes approximately 10 liters of milk to produce 1kg of cheese.

HOW MUCH MILK DOES ONE MILK TRUCK HOLD?

Average of 22, 000 liters / Approximately 712,000 liters per week

HOW OFTEN DO YOU RECEIVE MILK?

We receive milk from 5 trucks per day, 7 days week.

HOW MUCH CHEESE DO YOU PRODUCE IN ONE DAY?

We produce approximately 15,000kg of cheese each day.

HOW MANY DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF CHEESE DO YOU PRODUCE?

We produce 25 traditional and innovative flavours of cheese. Click here to discover all of them.

IS YOUR CHEESE PRODUCED IN A NUT-FREE FACILITY?

We don’t make any products that contain tree nuts, but we are not a certified nut-free facility. Some of our suppliers which we source ingredients from for our flavoured varieties do have tree nuts in their facilities. They all have allergen programs in place to prevent cross contamination within their facilities. That being said, to be absolutely sure we recommend sticking to our non-flavoured varieties.

To help avoid possible cross-contamination from these ingredients within our facility, we produced our non-flavoured cheeses (Mild, Medium, and Old Cheddar, Mozzarella, Edam, Monterey Jack etc.) in the morning (before producing our flavoured varieties) or on a different day than our flavoured varieties. Also, all of our employees thoroughly wash their hands prior to working with the cheese including after all breaks.

IS YOUR CHEESE GLUTEN-FREE?

Our facility is not certified gluten free and we do not test internally for gluten. We have however asked all of our ingredient suppliers if their products contain wheat or gluten sources—all of them have said they do not. To the best of our knowledge we don’t have gluten in our products, but we cannot guarantee this.

DO YOU OFFER PUBLIC FACTORY TOURS?

We currently do not offer public tours, we do this to ensure the safety of our production staff and you, our valued customer, and to ensure we have a clean production facility which enables us to continue to produce the highest quality product possible.

I’VE HEARD THAT CHEESE IS GOOD FOR MY TEETH. IS THIS TRUE?

Yes. Studies show that eating cheese helps prevent cavities in many ways. The calcium and phosphorus found in cheese penetrates plaque surrounding the teeth to re-mineralize enamel and prevent erosion. Cheese also stimulates saliva production to clear away food particles. The protein and fat in cheese protects teeth from cavity-causing acids created as carbohydrates ferment. In fact, many dentists suggest eating a piece of cheese before bed when brushing isn’t possible.

DOES CHEESE CONTAIN “BAD FAT”?

No. Cheese contains small amounts of naturally occurring trans fats that are not associated with health problems. In fact, research suggests that the CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) found in cheese may be beneficial to health and protect us from certain types of cancer. Artificially produced industrial trans fats found in vegetable shortening and many commercially produced fried foods are often confused with good trans fats. These bad fats lower good cholesterol and raise bad cholesterol which increases the risk of heart disease. We do need to have some fat in our diets to enable our bodies to process vitamins A, D, E and K. For more information read our blog post, “Cheese – Friend not Foe“, from our official Registered Dietitian Nita Sharda.

HOW LONG CAN I SAFELY KEEP CHEESE?

For optimal taste, it is recommended that cheese be consumed within the best before date. Cheese that is refrigerated and not exposed to oxygen (sealed in its original package) can be kept and safely consumed past its best before date; however, undesirable flavours may develop. Once opened, cheese can be stored for over 8 weeks under the right conditions.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO STORE CHEESE?

It is best to store firm and semi-firm cheeses tightly wrapped in plastic film or waxed paper in the refrigerator. Avoid touching unused portions whenever possible because natural bacteria present on hands could promote the growth of mould.

IS IT SAFE TO CUT THE MOULDY PART OFF A PIECE OF CHEESE AND EAT THE PART THAT ISN’T MOULDY?

It depends. Surface mould can’t generally penetrate far in firm or semi firm cheese and can be trimmed from a block of cheese and the inner cheese may be eaten. Cheese with excessive mould that has penetrated close to the centre should be thrown away. Soft cheeses such as cottage cheese should be thrown away, and any cheese that is crumbled, sliced, or shredded.
If you are unsure, the safest option is to discard the cheese.

CAN I FREEZE CHEESE?

Most cheese may be frozen for up to 6 months. But firm and semi-firm blocks of cheese like the ones we produce will not maintain their texture after freezing. Freezing “un-knits” the curds that have been joined together during the cheese making process to form a block of cheese. This results in excessively crumbly cheese once it is thawed. It is best to shred cheese first if it must be frozen and then use it in cooking. Shredded Bothwell Cheese or SqueaK’rs will freeze well for up to 6 months.

DO YOU PRODUCE LACTOSE FREE PRODUCTS?

Aged cheese is naturally lower in lactose or lactose-free. Our Old Cheddar is naturally lactose free and can be consumed as a part of a lactose free diet.

People with lactose intolerance may be able to accept small amounts of cheese a little at a time. Many people can build their acceptance of cheese by gradually increasing the amount they consume.

More information on lactose intolerance can be found on the Dairy Goodness website.

HOW DO YOU COLOUR YOUR CHEESE?

We use an Annatto based colour in some of our products. Annatto is a seed from the achiote tree commonly found in Latin America. Annatto has a similar molecular structure to Beta-Carotene, the substance that naturally makes carrots orange.

DOES CHEESE CAUSE CONSTIPATION?

No. Cheese itself is not responsible for constipation. A diet containing fibre will alleviate constipation in most people. Foods like prunes and bran are best but fruits and vegetables in general are recommended. Increasing liquid intake and regular exercise are also recommended.

WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR FUNDRAISING PROGRAM?

ML Signatures manages our Fundraising Program. Information about the program can be found on our Fundraising page.

IS YOUR PACKAGING BIODEGRADABLE OR RECYCLABLE?

Our packaging isn’t biodegradable and the choice as to whether plastic items are recycled or not depends on your individual municipality.
Our packaging is categorized as “7” for “other”.

A visit to your local recycling program website will be able to tell you if this type of packaging is accepted in your area.
For Manitoba inquiries visit the Simply Recycling website.

WHAT WINNIPEG RETAILERS SELL A WIDE VARIETY OF YOUR PRODUCTS?

Selection varies by retailer, but the following is a list of stores that tend to carry the majority of our products:

Hi Rob. All of our cheeses are vegetarian, except for Parmesan, unfortunately, which contains lipase. All of our cheese is rennet-free. We will definitely pass your feedback onto our product development team.

We used to buy your white cheddar cheese at our Costco store here in Kamloops, B.C. as we found it a better cheese than the Kraft White. We have not been able to buy it anymore as they never have it on the shelves. Are you not supplying it to Costco anymore or is it because it sold cheaper than the Kraft. Thanks, Ed

Tours?
To ensure the safety of our production staff and our valued fans, and to maintain a clean production facility which enables us to continue to produce the highest quality products possible, we do not currently offer public tours.